A $9.5m fund for RWC festival grants has been announced.

Applications for grants open July 28th 2010 and are available for:-

• event/activity management and operating costs
• event performing artists’ fees and expenses
• event/activity promotion and publicity
• event/activity volunteer recruitment, training and other expenses.

• showcase New Zealand’s culture, heritage and diversity
• are one-off, although they may be within an ongoing activity
• encourage diversity of participation by communities and visitors
• deliver community benefit of a public nature
• deliver community benefit that would otherwise not be available
• encourage volunteering.

• events and/or activities that may be funded by other Lottery distribution committees
• capital expenditure projects. This includes the purchase of land or buildings, and the construction or extensive alteration, repair or maintenance of buildings
• Rugby World Cup 2011 Fan Zone costs (e.g. venue hire and/or construction and set up costs)
• commercial ventures
• salaries; except for fixed-term event related contracts
• promotional events and/or activities of a commercial nature
• activities not directly associated with showcasing New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup 2011
• an allocation of an organisations' overhead costs to an event and/or activity.